Dog bites are more common than many people realize, and while some may seem minor, failure to report a dog bite can have serious legal, health, and financial consequences. Dog bite laws vary by state but reporting the incident is critical for protecting both the victim and others from potential harm. Injured victims should also consult an experienced dog bite lawyer to protect their right to compensation.
Why Report a Dog Bite?
It is essential to report dog bites as soon as possible, whether to local authorities, animal control, or a medical professional for these reasons:
- Health Risks: Dog bites can lead to serious infections or diseases like rabies if left untreated. Reporting the bite ensures proper medical care is administered to the victim and that the dog’s vaccination history is reviewed.
- Legal Responsibilities: In many jurisdictions, reporting a dog bite is legally required. Failing to report could result in penalties or reduced chances of obtaining compensation.
- Public Safety: Reporting a dog bite can prevent future attacks, especially if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Authorities can investigate whether the dog poses a threat to the public.
Medical Consequences of Not Reporting a Dog Bite
One of the key risks of not reporting a dog bite is that the injured victim may miss out on critical medical evaluations and treatments that could prevent long-term complications.
Infections
- Rabies: Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal if left untreated. Reporting a dog bite is crucial to ensure the dog is quarantined and observed for signs of rabies.
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection that can cause severe muscle stiffness and spasms. Dog bite victims who haven’t been recently vaccinated for tetanus should seek medical attention.
- Cellulitis: Caused by Pasteurella multocida bacteria, cellulitis is a skin infection that can result in swelling, redness, and severe pain. Without treatment, it can spread to other parts of the body.
- Capnocytophaga: Another bacterial infection that, while rare, can lead to serious illness or death, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Failing to report a bite means there may be no follow-up on the dog’s vaccination history, potentially putting the victim at risk for severe complications.
Delayed Treatment
Victims who do not report the bite may delay seeking medical care, especially for minor bites that appear harmless. However, dog bites can cause deep tissue damage that may not be immediately visible. Seeking medical treatment ensures that all potential injuries are addressed and that wounds are properly cleaned and treated to prevent infection.
Legal Implications of Not Reporting a Dog Bite
From a legal standpoint, failing to report a dog bite can undermine a victim’s ability to seek compensation and may also lead to penalties for both the dog owner and the victim, depending on state laws.
Failure to Comply with Mandatory Reporting Laws
Many states and local governments require that all dog bites be reported to local authorities or animal control. The specifics of these laws vary, but the purpose is to monitor and mitigate the risk posed by dangerous animals. Failure to report the bite may result in penalties for the victim or the dog owner, depending on the circumstances.
Negative Impact on Future Legal Claims
If the dog bite victim later decides to pursue legal action for compensation, not reporting the bite could seriously harm their case. For example:
- Lack of Evidence: Reporting the bite creates a documented incident, which is crucial for any legal proceedings. Without an official report, proving that the dog bite occurred and that the owner was responsible becomes much harder.
- Limited Recovery of Damages: Victims may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, not reporting the bite may be used by the dog owner’s insurance or defense team to argue that the injury was not serious enough to warrant compensation.
In cases where the dog has a history of aggression, the victim’s failure to report the bite may also prevent authorities from intervening, which could lead to future attacks on others.
Public Safety Risks of Failing to Report
Escalating Aggressive Behavior
A dog that has bitten someone once is statistically more likely to bite again. If the first bite goes unreported, authorities may not have the chance to evaluate whether the dog poses a public threat. Without proper intervention, the dog’s aggressive tendencies could escalate, leading to future attacks that could have been prevented.
Public Health Concerns
In addition to aggressive behavior, dogs that bite may also be carriers of diseases such as rabies. When a dog bite is not reported, health officials miss the opportunity to monitor the animal for signs of infection and administer appropriate treatment to the victim. Public health depends on accurate reporting and tracking of such incidents to prevent outbreaks of disease.
Financial Consequences of Not Reporting a Dog Bite
Impact on a Dog Bite Insurance Claim
Dog owner’s insurance company policies, particularly homeowners’ and renters’ insurance, typically cover dog bite claims. However, if the bite is not reported, the victim may lose the opportunity to file a claim with the insurance company of the dog’s owner. Insurance companies often require that claims be filed within a certain timeframe, and failing to report the incident could result in the victim being responsible for their medical bills.
Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs
If the dog bite accident leads to serious injuries, including surgeries, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical treatment, the costs can add up quickly. Failing to report the dog bite not only jeopardizes the victim’s chance of seeking compensation through a dog bite lawsuit but may also leave them paying out-of-pocket for expensive medical care.
Consequences for Dog Owners Who Don’t Report a Bite
Liability for Future Incidents
If a dog bites someone and the owner does not report it, they may be held liable if the dog bites someone again in the future. For example, in states that follow the one-bite rule, an owner’s failure to report the first bite can make it difficult for them to claim ignorance of their dog’s aggressive tendencies (or dangerous dog behavior) if a dog attack occurs in the future.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
In states that require mandatory reporting, dog owners who fail to report bites may face legal penalties, including fines or other sanctions. In cases where the dog is determined to be dangerous, the owner could be required to muzzle the dog, keep it confined, or even euthanize it, depending on the severity of the bite and local laws.
Dog Bite Reporting Requirements Under State Laws
California
In California, all dog bites must be reported within 24 hours to the local health officer, irrespective of whether the bite breaks the skin or not. California dog bite laws also mandate that dogs involved in biting incidents may need to be quarantined for 10 days to check for signs of rabies, regardless of the dog’s vaccination status.
Florida
In Florida, healthcare professionals are legally required to report all dog bites to the local county health department. Florida law also allows animal control officers to quarantine a dog for at least 10 days if rabies is suspected.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, all dog bites must be reported to the State Department of Health, local animal control authorities or law enforcement. If rabies is suspected, the Mississippi Department of Health may mandate quarantine of the dog for observation.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, when dog bites occur and you need medical attention, the healthcare provider is required to report to the Kentucky Department of Public Health and Wellness within 12 hours. If you did not seek medical care, you must report the incident yourself.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, dog bites must be reported to the local health director. If the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies, it may be required to be quarantined for at least 10 days. Local ordinances may also require additional reporting and investigation of the dog’s behavior.
New York
In New York, dog bites must be reported within 24 hours to the local health department or law enforcement. The state has strict quarantine rules for dogs suspected of having rabies, with unvaccinated dogs required to undergo a 10-day observation period. Owners may face fines if the dog’s vaccination records are not up-to-date.
Georgia
In Georgia, all dog bite incidents must be reported to animal control or the local health department. Georgia law requires dogs suspected of carrying rabies to be quarantined for observation. In addition, local ordinances may impose penalties for owners who fail to report incidents.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, dog bites must be reported to local health authorities or animal control. If rabies is suspected, the dog may be quarantined for 10 days to ensure the safety of the victim. Wisconsin also mandates rabies vaccination for all dogs and failure to comply can result in fines.
Illinois
In Illinois, dog bites must be reported to the local county animal control or the health department within 24 hours of the incident. The dog may be subject to a 10-day quarantine if rabies is suspected or the dog’s vaccination history is incomplete. Illinois has strict penalties for failure to report a dog bite incident.
Get Skilled Legal Representation from Our Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. At Dog Bite Laws, we understand how traumatic these incidents can be, which is why we are determined to fight for justice and compensation for you. Our experienced dog bite attorneys will build a strong dog bite claim for damages, ensuring your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully accounted for. Our dedicated legal team has a demonstrable record of recovering millions of dollars in settlements for the injured victims in dog bite cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything until we win. To schedule your free case review, call us 24/7 at 866 K9-BITES or 866-592-4837 or contact us online.
